Call for Media: ESA at Farnborough air show, 19–25 July

ESA PR-16 2010: ESA, together with the UK Space Agency, the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and industry, will be exhibiting in a dedicated Space Zone at the Farnborough International Air Show, 19–25 July.

The Space Zone will showcase the importance of space systems and applications in facing global challenges and providing decision-makers with tools to respond to critical challenges such as climate change and global security.

The ESA exhibition allows trade and public visitors alike to discover the many dimensions of space and their role in a rapidly changing world: space for a better understanding of our Earth and the Universe; space as a generator of new technologies and innovation; space for future human endeavour; and space for improving the quality of life and fostering European growth and employment.

The show is open from Monday 19 July to Sunday 25 July, with trade visitor days on 19–23 July and access to the general public on 24–25 July.

A series of high-level events in the Space Zone include a dedicated Space Day conference on Wednesday 21 July and a Futures Day for students and schools on Friday 23 July.

Media registration

Members of the media interested in attending events in the Space Zone must be accredited to attend the air show. Accreditation can be requested via the FIA website.

Main events in the Space Zone

Monday 19 July 11:00–13:00

New funding and support for space entrepreneurs

An opportunity to learn about the support available to entrepreneurs, from funding of new start-up companies based on technologies originally developed for space to aid to businesses that see solutions in adapting space technologies to their own fields. Speakers include Callum Norrie from ESA's Technology Transfer Programme.

Tuesday 20 July 11:15–13:00

Space4Careers

Careers advisers and education experts can learn about careers and opportunities in the growing field of space, both in the UK and in Europe. Speakers include Peter Hulsroj, ESA's director responsible for education, and Frank Danesy, head of human resources at one of ESA's largest sites.

Wednesday 21 July 10:45–12:00

Space Day

An opportunity to hear about and discuss the future UK and international vision for space, highlighting the economic success within the sector and its growing importance in our daily lives. Speakers include David Willetts, UK Minister of State for Universities and Science, Mariastella Gelmini, Italian Minister of Education, Universities and Research, Jean-Jacques Dordain, ESA Director General, and heads of agencies and industry.

Friday 23 July

Futures Day

A day of activities across the air show for students and school classes to inspire them towards careers in aerospace. Come and meet ESA astronaut Jean-François Clervoy and learn firsthand how to keep fit and healthy, in space and on Earth.